By Patzia Martinez, Rise Up Project Manager
At the start of this year, a group of sixteen visionary local leaders in São Paulo, Brazil embarked on a transformative journey of growth and inspiration. These leaders were part of Rise Up’s first intensive Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator training program in Brazil and emerged as agents of change equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible impact in their communities.
The new Rise Up Leaders in São Paulo submitted a number of brilliant advocacy proposals, addressing a range of important gender equity issues. The proposals resonated with purpose, and we chose to fund the following five projects to advance gender equity and justice in Brazil.
Elevating Advocacy through Political Training: This project, led by Gilmara Santos da Cunha and the Grupo Conexão G de Cidadania LGBT de Favelas, aims to combat the underreporting of transgender people’s deaths by advocating for a state law that mandates the comprehensive documentation of such tragedies.
Empodera Maria – Empowering Women in the Face of Adversity: Patrícia Ramos Silva dos Santos, along with Centro Tereza de Benguela, is supporting women facing domestic violence in her community by seeking special protections for these women, granting them priority in employment opportunities.
Unified Protocol for Communication and Support: Marília Moreira da Silva, Fernanda Martins, and Renata Guadagnin, leaders of Terceiro Andar and AzMina, are dedicated to improving the support network for women survivors of violence by implementing a unified protocol of communication and assistance, ensuring a coordinated government response to violence against women.
Youth Elected Project – Amplifying Youth Voices: Letícia Bahia, representing Instituto Sincronicidade para a Interação Social – ISPIS, is championing the political representation of young people, especially young women by establishing a minimum 10% quota for young candidates across various political roles.
Minas em Tech – Fostering Female Leadership in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math): Isabela Santos Gonçalves Costa and Associação Casa Hacker are unleashing the brilliance of young girls in STEAM fields by advocating for digital access rights and educational pathways in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and research.
These projects are more than just initiatives – they represent the embodiment of Rise Up Leaders’ collective vision for an equitable world where women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people can reach their full potential and thrive.The cohort’s determination, knowledge, and unwavering passion serve as the driving force behind the long-term, sustainable impact they seek.
Stay tuned for more updates from Rise Up Leaders in Brazil who are bringing change to the lives of women, girls, and all people across the country.
